Should I wear sunscreens during the winter?

The simple answer is YES YOU SHOULD GWEN !

...and I'll tell you why. Where as UVB rays (the sunburn rays) are weaker in the winter months. UVA rays which can not only give you wrinkles but can also potentially lead to skin cancer are the same strength all year round. 

Both UVA and UVB rays can pass through clouds so even on overcast, dull days, the suns rays can penetrate and cause damage. Contrary to what I grew up thinking (was I alone as a teenager thinking that if I didn't feel the sun burning my factor 2 oil, slathered limbs, I wasn't getting a tan?) the sun burns regardless of temperature. 

In fact the sun is closer to the Earth during the winter and it's rays are just as harmful as in the summer. Snow adds to the problem by reflecting the rays back up to you and it's also understood that the damaging effect of rays increases with altitude so all you skiers out there slather up.

We are inundated with info about sun damage these days and I'm sure I'm teaching most of you to suck eggs but here's a few common sense tips for if and when the sun ever comes out :

• Choose a sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection.
• If you are outside for prolonged periods, remember to reapply your sunscreen regularly, even sweating can wash off a certain amount of sunscreen.
• Check the 'best before' date on you sunscreen as they become less effective over time. 
• Don't rely on tinted moisturiser or foundation to protect you. Use a screen with a factor of 25 or 30. Apply the screen and wait a few moments before applying foundation.
• On hot days pack a lightweight, long sleeved top in your bag, you will be so relieved that you have it to pop on later in the day, when you've had enough of the sun.